CANDIDATE: Balancing public safety

We’ve all heard them … Whether we’re spending time with family, taking care of our children, reading a book, or just getting things done around the house … We’ve all heard the faint distant sound of sirens coming through the window panes of our home. Many of us think to ourselves, “I hope everything will be OK, and that nobody is hurt.”

And, even though we feel fortunate those distant sirens may not be coming to our own home, hearing them provides us that sense of security in knowing that if we ever need them – they'll be there.

Public safety is a vital and necessary component of our community, but it does come with a cost. Police and fire services represent the largest portion of the city of Maricopa’s operational budget. Finding a balance between what is “mission critical: to protecting and saving lives and property, and keeping our city financially viable is a delicate task. I think we can all agree that protecting life is paramount; however, there is a limited amount of funds available to spend.

As a member of your city council, I promise to turn over every stone and hear your police and fire administrations when they outline their needs, and work with them to find that very important balance; better defining that which is truly “mission critical,” and separate the organizational needs from the wants.

Each time you see a Maricopa police vehicle, or a Maricopa fire truck – those are your collective tax dollars working hard for you. Although I’m a strong believer that government should be fiscally conservative, efficient and responsive to the will of the people to whom it serves, once elected as your representative it would be my duty to protect your interests. The city can seek bids for the lowest price on office supplies and building contracts, but can any of us place a value on protecting the life of a loved one?

I’m committed to ensuring that our police officers and firemen have the equipment, training and resources necessary to ensure not only that they have the capability to provide the exemplary services you expect, but also to ensure that each of them goes home safely to their families every day. I’m committed to continuing local fundraising efforts for the Wounded Warrior and One Hundred Club programs, and to my belief that our community, and your local government, has an obligation to watch over those who watch over us.

Building today for a brighter tomorrow.